MakeMyTrip Sees 250% Surge In Cancellations To Turkey & Azerbaijan

Traveltech major MakeMyTrip said it has witnessed a 60% drop in bookings to Turkey and Azerbaijan in the last one week, while cancellations have surged 250%.

Keeping in mind the public sentiment in the country, the company has also issued an advisory urging Indians to avoid non-essential travel to both countries.

“In solidarity with our nation and out of deep respect for our armed forces, we strongly support this sentiment and advise all against all non-essential travel to Azerbaijan and Turkey,” MakeMyTrip said in a statement. 

It added that it has discontinued all promotions and offers on its platform to discourage tourism to the two destinations.

This comes amid boycott calls for travel to Turkey and Azerbaijan in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor for the support of these countries to Pakistan.

Notably, multiple companies like ixigo, Cox & Kings and Pickyourtrails have already suspended tour packages to both these countries.

While EaseMyTrip has not suspended travel bookings to the two countries, it has been urging Indians to avoid non-essential travel to the two countries.

Last week, EaseMyTrip founder and chairman Nishant Pitti said on X that “travel is a powerful tool. Let’s not use it to empower those who don’t stand with us”. “Every rupee we spend abroad is a vote. Let’s spend it where our values are respected. Jai Hind,” he added.

Meanwhile, ixigo, in its post-earnings call today, said it will review its stance later if the situation changes. “We remain dedicated to reviewing this stance as the situation evolves. Should geopolitical dynamics change, we will reassess our approach and take the necessary steps in the best interest of the travel ecosystem,” said Aloke Bajpai, group CEO of ixigo. 

However, he also said that as a company deeply rooted in Bharat, ixigo believes it is its responsibility to stand in solidarity with the nation during the critical time. “This action reflects our unwavering commitment to aligning our business practices with the sentiments of the people of our country,” Bajpai added.

Notably, Turkey and Azerbaijan are among the most sought after countries by Indian tourists. They are two of the most profitable destinations in the outbound portfolios of travel agencies. Turkey alone attracted about 3 Lakh Indian travellers last year, while more than 2.4 Lakh Indians visited Azerbaijan.